Monsoon ragas

Barkha Ritu, the only National music festival based on the monsoon ragas is back for its 11 edition.Touring six cities, the festival also comes to Hyderabad, featuring Santoor artists Rahul Sharma and group along with Hindustani vocalist Pt. Chhannulal Mishra.

Having collaborated with acclaimed international artists, like Richard Clayderman and Kenny G, Rahul Sharma is the most sought after Santoor player of his generation while Pt Mishra is considered one of India’s finest exponents of Hindustaani classical music because of his unique blend of the Banaras Gayaki and the Punjab Gayaki in his khayals thumris and bhajans.

Speaking about the event, Sharma said, “I will be performing monsoon ragas like Megh and Miyan ki Malhar but in a contemporary manner. The monsoons are a beautiful time to compose music and inspire. Especially, the santoor sounds reminiscent of waterfalls and nature. I will also perform some compositions from the album Rainchanted.”

Barkha Ritu will come to the city on August 5, Sunday. The concert will be performed at Ravindra Bharathi from 6:30 pm onwards. The music fest will also travel to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.

Passes for the festival are priced at ` 500, `350 and `200 and are available at  Landmark (Banjara Hills and Somajiguda) and Sangeet Sagar (Basheerbagh and M G Road). They can also be booked online on www.bookmyshow.com.